Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior

Therapy (DBT)

DBT is a psychotherapy developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan and her colleagues at the University of Washington to treat Borderline Personality Disorder and other disorders of emotion regulation. DBT combines behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, and both eastern and western contemplative practices. DBT has been extensively researched and shown to be effective in reducing impulsive, self destructive behaviors such as suicide attempts, gestures, and thoughts; cutting and other non-suicidal self injurious behavior; substance abuse; angry outbursts; and disordered eating. DBT helps individuals gain control of their behaviors and emotions; develop deep understanding of their emotion, thought, and behavior patterns; and replace maladaptive, self defeating behaviors with skillful, adaptive coping.

DBT can help individuals suffering from a range of problems related to emotional and behavioral dysregulation.

These Include

Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior
Non Suicidal Self Injurious Behavior, Such As Cutting
Mood Swings
Sense of Emptiness
Chaotic Relationships
Anger Management Problems
Fear of Rejection and Abandonment
Substance Abuse
Emotional Eating

Sometimes skills classes aren’t the best solution. As an alternative, skills can be learned in a one-on-one setting. This is essentially a “class of one”, just you and I.

About Individual Skills Coaching

What is

Taught?

Sessions are weekly
Each week the previous skill is reviewed and a new skill is introduced.
Progression and skills can be customized for each individual.
Each week a small homework assignment is given. Members are asked to try that week’s skill in their real life.
Individual skills coaching is always done in conjunction with ongoing psychotherapy. This can be with me.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy involves a targeted approach that embodies four main concepts:

Mindfulness means being aware of the present moment, exactly as it is unfolding without judging it or needing to respond to it.

Interpersonal Effectiveness means being effective with others: asking for things or saying no in such a way that you get what you really want, maintain relationships and enhance your self-esteem.

Emotional Regulation means understanding, moderating or changing your emotions so they work for you, not against you. It also means becoming less vulnerable to problem emotions in general.

Distress Tolerance is the ability to experience distressing, aggravating or upsetting events without resorting to damaging or unwanted behaviors.